They won two nailbiters, and now they've lost two nailbiters. Eventually, the Nationals will play a game that doesn't come down to the ninth inning, right? Right?

Perhaps that will happen tonight in the second of a three-game series against the Mets. Ross Detwiler becomes the final member of the rotation to make his season debut, and this will be the left-hander's first opportunity to justify the Nationals' last-minute decision to hand him the job over John Lannan. If he pitches the way he did last September and this spring, Detwiler should be just fine.

A couple of changes to Davey Johnson's lineup: Steve Lombardozzi and Xavier Nady each get the start. Lombardozzi, who has seen a little bit of time in left field so far, will start at second base. (Danny Espinosa, who got elbowed in the head in the ninth inning last night, gets the day off.) Nady, meanwhile, starts in left field, with Mark DeRosa (0-for-the-season) taking a seat.

As you know, I'm not in New York for this series. Enjoy the game and the conversation as always…

Hmmmm… so now the learner HP ump (who ejected 4 guys from a 2007 Twins-Bosox game as a MiLB callup) and the less-than-competent 2B ump get to blow calls at 3B and 1B, respectively.Not respectfully.And neither of these guys is Joe West. Past time to have electronic sensors and computers call balls and strikes. Let the HP ump call fouls, HBPs, and safe/outs at home. That's enough damage.

What is the highest number of innings by RossD in the last year or so? I am thinking he is not so stretched out because he was expecting to be in the bullpen. I predict a Craig Stammen appearance. And – it is about time for one of our starters to be an actual W. Of the curly variety,please.

Swami- Detwiler's longest outing last year was also his best. 7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO in a Nats win.But he only went 6 innings or more in 5 of his 10 starts.Not sure about the previous couple of seasons.

Is Espi OK? Just getting a day off, I hope, and Lombo getting a start before he gets sent down?Davey appears to be a lot more cautious when it comes to injuries as opposed to Riggleman. Watching Riggleman trot LaRoche out every night with the shoulder problem was beyond pathetic … really pathetic. And I said as much. If it had that effect on me have to wonder if maybe Riggleman's inability to manage a major league ball club didn't have a bit of an effect on how this team is managed today where injuries are concerned.

CWJ – thanks — I hope he has been eating lots of cookies! I would love to see him come out with some edge. He pitches better with some Natitude. Maybe winning this spot, even temporarily ( if it is) may give him a confidence boost. Does anybody actually think we will see Wang anytime soon?

Fister is on the DL.DETROIT — Detroit right-hander Doug Fister is headed to the disabled list after he left his first start of the season Saturday with a left-side injury.The Tigers announced after their 10-0 victory over Boston that Fister will go on the 15-day DL on Sunday, and the team will recall RHP Brayan Villarreal from Triple-A Toledo prior to the game.

Swami- No problem :)It's fun to keep game logs for all the pitchers.Mine are written in pencil on paper, but they can be found online as well.I thought about tracking the hitters games, but that would be a little too tedious for me :-)I'd like to see Wang back at some point. I thought he looked good in that ST game before he got injured. I was very impressed with all of his pitches.But, I'm pessimistic that we'll ever see him pitch for the Nats for more than a couple games. He seems to be snake-bit, with all the weird injuries.

NatsLady- Seems like the DL's have been steadily filling up for all teams since March began, doesn't it?Did anyone see Moore pitch for the Rays today?I read that he was a bit wild. Apparently he's considered to be a Strasburg type but without the pinpoint control of SS.

I'd like to see Wang back at some point. I thought he looked good in that ST game before he got injured. I was very impressed with all of his pitches.But, I'm pessimistic that we'll ever see him pitch for the Nats for more than a couple games. He seems to be snake-bit, with all the weird injuries. ————————-I just have this impression of CMW leaving the dugout to take the field, then tripping on the last step and doing a face-plant.Dude needs Yoga…or ballet maybe…(btw…I am not wanting this to happen…I'm merely commenting on the "snake bitten" aspect of his career…)

David Wright was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Nationals with a bruised right pinkie.Wright feels pain in his right hand when swinging, but X-rays were negative on the pinkie and Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters that the 29-year-old third baseman should be ready to play Wednesday. Wright is 7-for-12 this season with a home run and four RBI. Ronny Cedeno is filling in at third base against the Nats.

It's a bit odd that the players who fared best during Spring Training (Zimmerman, Werth and DeRosa) have been awful so far, while the guys who struggled (LaRoche and Desmond) have played the best.Coincidence?

Looking at the advanced stats Werth wasn't bad … just not even close to what you'd expect for the highest paid player on a team. He appears to clearly be in decline. Also, even with the strikeouts he and Espinosa didn't do that badly … now Desmond on the other hand … not so hot. I'm more concerned about Desmond's trend … again no walks, swing at everything from leadoff … stark difference in yesterday's game. Lombardozzi as a PH leads off and works a walk … Desmond follows and is unable to lay down a bunt to move him up. Speaks volumes at least to me. Desmond may be on his way out.Jayson Werth 649 PA, .332 wOBA, 6.5 bRAADanny Espinosa 658 PA, .331 wOBA, 6.1 bRAAIan Desmond 639 PA, .310 wOBA, -5.4 bRAA

Is it too early to start beating up on Werth? He doesn't look any different than he did all last season. Taking a first pitch called strike, swinging at a ball at his ankles and grounding into a rally killing double play.

this is off topic but heres a link to a radio interview a mets cross checking scout did with dc 106.7 the fan about strasburg,zimmermann and pitching in general,it has some really interesting stuff,nats fans should listen to ithttp://nyc.podcast.play.it/media/d0/d0/d0/dV/dG/dF/dJ/VGFJ_3.MP3

Any chance that Morse's issues are related to coming off steroids? He used to juice.Nah, Roger Clemens lasted a long time didn't he? If anything using steroids helps ameliorate injuries incurred athletically. Morse has had a history of injuries going quite a ways back. His most serious was to his shoulder after colliding with a wall while still with the Mariners. He missed the entire year due to surgery and ended up back in AAA afterward. He ended up as a bat (amazingly improved after the injury!) without a position as a result. It may be that same shoulder is still an issue?

Maybe when they flipped the switch some went to "on" and others to "off." Nah. :-)Will said… It's a bit odd that the players who fared best during Spring Training (Zimmerman, Werth and DeRosa) have been awful so far, while the guys who struggled (LaRoche and Desmond) have played the best. Coincidence? April 10, 2012 4:58 PM

I have not commented on the Morse injury issue aside from noting it was a lat muscle on his right side and not a labrum issue like LaRoche. Now I'm not convinced it isn't more like the labrum issue especially since it is throwing that is most affected.At any rate it isn't good so some young outfield guys need to turn it up pretty quick.

Yup.. it's time for some of the Baby Nats to step and become Nats. Tonight, it's Ross's turn to start showing why he was a first round pick. The guys down on the farm can work their way up with the Morse Injury. Would love to see Corey Brown get a shot, but it may be too soon. Also, hope that Nady/DeRo/Carroll can step up and produce from the bench.On a brighter note, the Mets are without the services of Mr Wright for the next two nights. Let's hope that favors us.

At any rate it isn't good so some young outfield guys need to turn it up pretty quick.Better resurrect the left-field work for T-Mo and his right-handed power bat. Still months away for Marerro. Destin Hood won't be ready. Kobernus and Perez are the only one's hitting in Harrisburg.Brown and Harper are left-handed bats so they would theoretically replace a Tracy, Bernadina or Ankiel.

Keith Law was saying that Charlie Manuel was a "great" manager when he had talent for five years, but now that the Phillies are old and injury-ridden he is making a ton of mistakes with lineups and bullpen management. So now Davey is in somewhat of a situation. (As are Rizzo and the minor-league managers.)

Hopefully Detwiler gets out of this one but my first impression on the team:Desmond is an excellent surprise but now that spring training is over Werth, Rodriguez and some others back to their old self

I just heard the Morse news from the TV… Then scrolled your comments. This is what I get for working right up to 7:07.I hope they don't drag out whatever needs to be fixed till May, like they did with Zimm and ALR. I know he does, too.Worried about Espi too, but Lombo is filling in well. I'm glad Werth got on base, even if he didn't make it home.

This is really bad baseball….Johnson should have sent a message to the team……pull zimm for the night…..that is just bush league to assume an umpire's ball call as you run the bases…..costs runs and they can not hit anyway…..If I am Johnson I am really mad right now about how this team seems to be taking advantage of his good will and assumed professionalism he cut them all Spring.Njack….he looks great so far….sample size?

Nationals are either liars or incompetent…I don't know which is worse. These injuries are getting ridiculous. Have to make a trade or something now or we are playing for 2013. Johnny Damon anyone??? Lombardozzi out with a broken kneecap…Wednesday's headline.

Yes UnkyD…REALLY!!! That is unless of course you plan on the pitching staff keeping an ERA below 2.00. Damon is still a good player and I can't think of anybody that needs him more than we do right now.

The bumbling of injuries is a long term issue for the team. Nothing new there and something they have yet to address…..Rizzo and Johnson were a bit too arrogant all Spring with all the "I'm not concerned" and It is too early to care attitude….this is how seasons get flushed…….again

Morse looks to be repeating Zim's timeline from last year. I did think it odd that they were talking about bringing him up on Thursday when he had played the field so little.If the Nats won't make a trade for an OF that can hit, I agree with the comments to give Moore and Brown some time. I also don't think keeping both Bernie and Ankiel makes sense, since they are essentially the same kind of player.But man, we are being overwhelmed with injuries up and down the organization. Any more news on Goodwin?

When Werth was on third with one out they should have bunted…Detwiler could have stood there and watched 3 strikes go by. Only one game but looks like sending Lannan down was absolutley the right move. Zim getting thrown out at 2nd on the 'steal' was horrendous..then the announcer, after Zim hustles down the line his next at-bat, says "that tells you what you need to know about Ryan Zimmerman" or some such stupid comment…the team is in good shape..hopefully Morse is back in the next 3 weeks..but the tv play by play guy SUCKS

Only one start, but if Det keeps pitching like he has over his last 6 regular season starts, I don't know what they are going to do when CMW returns from the DL. But that's a problem I don't mind having….

I'll take that nubber for Werth.The Nats do seem to have some odd things happening medically, though. I haven't looked at any stats, if there even are any, but we seem to have a lot of injury issues, and their public comments as things are unfolding do not give the impression that they have a good handle on things. Of course, they could just be offering standard GM-speak and offering the standard 'he'll be fine' until they know for sure what is involved. The one thing that makes me suspicious about that is that it isn't Davey's MO.

Mr. D, I'd say it's a combination of FP being an unrepentant homer, an announcer who's paid to be colorful and enthusiastic, and a former major league player who might just know what he's talking about.

Sorry you all did not hear the Mets announcers talking about overcoming injuries. How it is just part of the game and should not interfere with winning titles.That was just before they found out Wright has a fracture and is out until he feels he is ready. We are lucky that Cory Brown is nearly ready, not to mention others for various positions. We do not need anybody that teams much more needy than us have passed on.That was what I expected from Det tonight.

Ok this is all probably true…but anyway, Werth is the key to the season in my mind. We already know we have Laroche back, adds wins from last year, and we have Zim the whole year. The final X factor has to be Werth. He earns his money, is the tipping point…we are in the playoffs. Oh yeah.

Sec 3 – ah, thanks. A little underwhelming knowing that answer, though. Was hoping for something a little more like 'back in the '20's, teamsters used to deliver cheese to store owners by flinging it at their heads without stopping the truck, and the shopkeepers would have to jump out of the way to avoid getting hit ….'

Wally, I can do better if you like. The high fastballs are pretty scary up and in, and back in the early days of the game, catchers used to tease rookie hitters who looked scared after being knocked down, asking "Who cut the cheese!??", implying the hitter had soiled himself.How's that?

We should beat up on these Mets all season. Let's start getting used to winning, people. Think about how much better it'll be once we figure out all their pitchers (who have "6" pitches in their repertoire.")

Dennis Eckersley is credited with the introduction of "cheese" into baseball as a description of his fastball. He was quoted as saying "cheese for your kitchen" as a way to describe a fastball that went up and in on the hitter.Other theories trace the origin back to the 1800s when "cheese" was a term used to describe something that was the best of its kind.

Also 'good cheese' or 'hard cheese'. Refers to a good fastball. We have been given a number of explanations as to origin. Contributor Whit Mcleod mentions Dave Draveckey's book "Called Up", pg. 107, which credits Dennis Eckersley with inventing the term. Here's a longer explanation from contributor Joe Hernandez: Although the term "cheese" is relatively new to baseball it does have an older origin. According to the London Guide (1818), it defined ""cheese" as standing for "the best thing of its kind." In many 19th century slang dictionaries you will find it to mean anything first rate in quality. Folks would say "that's the cheese" to express that the item is of good quality. It is believed to be traced to the word "chiz", which in Hindustani and Anglo-Indian means "thing", rather than the food. Also from Joe: A more contemporary term for cheese is cheddar. Lenny Dykstra is quoted in Newsday, 3/1/1988 stating, "Doc Gooden blew some big-league cheddar". In "Pure Baseball", Keith Hernandez discussed "the high, rising cheddar". Remember that according to Bill Lee ( The Wrong Stuff), 1984) Dennis Eckerley called himself the "Cheese Master" and talked about "cheese for your kitchen" to mean "a fastball up an in". In the St. Petersburg Times (3/5/1987), Wally Backman in describing a fastball by Nolan Ryan, wrote "threw some good hard cheese up there". In Spanish we also use the term high cheese as in "alto queso" to describe a fast ball high and in. Other terms use are "good cheese" to describe a blurring fastball. As a kid, growing up in Brooklyn, we use to talk about throwing the fastball to "his cheese" (his forehead) to mean high and in.

JayB said…This is really bad baseball….Johnson should have sent a message to the team……pull zimm for the night…..right…it was abad play but hes the cornerstone of your franchise who just signed a huge contracy and generally hustles and works hard..it's not like he's bj upton or hanley ramirez

Let's bask in Det's mini-gem some more (as he takes a swig of kookaid): no hits after the first two batters — a 51 of 70 pitches were strikes; only 1 BB to go with his 6 K's in 5 IP.Might we have the best #5 starter in the league?

Predictions from our non-negative folks earlier this thread:baseballswami said… What is the highest number of innings by RossD in the last year or so? I am thinking he is not so stretched out because he was expecting to be in the bullpen. I predict a Craig Stammen appearance. And – it is about time for one of our starters to be an actual W.andTcostant said… I kind of like this lineup, I see 6 runs tonight…Nice jobs, guys.Someone ought to have predicted Zimm's 500th RBI!

A DC Wonk said…Might we have the best #5 starter in the league?Great effort tonight, but I think that he needs to prove that he can handle three times through the order and pitch into the 7th before we can go there. That is his big hurdle.

Great effort tonight, but I think that he needs to prove that he can handle three times through the order and pitch into the 7th before we can go there. That is his big hurdle.True. But I think he can. He's got good stuff, and he's putting it together well. I think all he needs is a bit of time to build up a bit of stamina. I think he'll get that.

trust your heart just skipped…that is what I am talking about Njack…but you know this….you just do not like to admit it.Handling Injuries, the roster? Again JayB? Maybe you should go root for Riggleman's Wahoo's because he's the guy who likes to have pitchers like Vilone, Batista, Gaudin, Livo … in case of injury? HOW DID that work out? Last I looked last place right?The Nats aren't going to panic go out and hire some ancient cast-off to make you feel secure that they are handling injury possibilities. Right now Jeff Kobernus and to a less extent Eury Perez are tearing up the Eastern League. Corey Brown has three times the number of walks to K's in the lead-off position as he only has 2 K's so far. He also has 2 triples. Rosenbaum is starting out great … Hassan Pena has looked good so far … They are going to go as far as the prospects will carry them … they aren't afraid. NO more Riggleman mode.

Nice recovery by Clip. I was going to wade in with 'Brie' for a minute there.I don't think the Mets are as bad as most media types are saying. Their line up is a bunch of no names but they can handle the stick ok. Starting pitching has lots of Ifs, but could be ok. Defense and bullpen seem weak, though. We saw the defense hurt them tonight several times.

Speaking of "cheese" there is a school of thought that says that its a good thing if HRod is really wild periodically. Pitchers are even more intimidated by his 3 digit heater wondering if today is the day he loses control of it. Then he flips them the dirty slider instead and its a K looking.

The more I think about it, the more I get excited about the kids in the minors and what they just might bring this year. Certainly all (except Harper) are plus fielders with better than ave. speed. If Morse is seriously hurt I say go young and option Nady. Did not post early as I am just a tad superstitious but I figure 3 outs and a 4 run lead will hold up.I hope our anonblache boo bird can at least make an appearance to let us know how he felt Jason did tonight. Maybe he is pouring beer over his head?

3-2 on the road, one win out of first, not too shabby. I realize we did not play the 1927 Yankees but you need to beat the teams that are not as good and so far, that is what we are doing. Win tomorrow gives us two for two in series and that is a key.Go Nats!!

I tell ya', I know it's a small sample size, but with the way Lidge "closed out" last year, and his two appearances this year — he's potentially an awesome acquisition, and perhaps a sleeper to be a real star this year. He throws 70% off speed stuff, so with his fastball in the 90's, he'll be fine.Pass me some more kookaid!

sjm 308–"Not the 1927 Yankees…"True dat, but this was the Mets' first loss of the year, AND we pinned the loss on Dillon Gee who totally had our number before tonight (this was OEI's first loss against us).

It's great not playing or managing scared, whenever you can pull it off. Allows openings for happy accidents to happen. Maybe a couple of these guys we go to early out of need like Corey Brown will come up and make us smile. For more than a few games.

7 runs Saturday. 4 runs Sunday. 4 runs yesterday. 6 runs today. This isn't looking like a team that's having a whole lot of trouble scoring, although they do leave too many men on base (but doesn't everyone).

Game in a nutshell: Ross Detwiler throws 71 pitches, 50 for strikes, and gets the first Win for a starter. Werth goes 4 for 5, the defense holds up, the bullpen mostly does, too; Nats win 6-2.Hitting highlight: Ian Desmond's leadoff home run. I know, Jayson Werth was 4 for 5, and that's big, sure, but that start is tough to beat. I love leadoff home runs. Sue me.Pitching highlight: Bottom of the first, two on, nobody out, and Detwiler gets K-foul pop out-K. "Sit down, Cat, I got this."Defensive highlight: Desmond's throw from deep in the hole and up in the air to get Dillon Gee.Key moment: Bernadina hits what probably should have been a 4-6-3, but Murphy kicked it into center field, Werth scored, and then the rally got rolling. Up next: Stephen Strasburg, day game tomorrow afternoon in the series finale, then home.

I'm so glad for Det and Werth. And I join some others here in wishing that the ugly pun on his name would stop showing up here. It's just uncalled for.Thanks for the back up instant analysis, PFB Sofa.Tomorrow, What a pitching match up! Can't wait.

For those of you that saw the game, the take out slide at second by Werth in the ninth is just one of hundreds of little things that over the course of a 160 game season makes the difference between a winning record and a losing one.Werth brought that style of play and a never give up attitude to the Nats last year, which IMHO changed the whole culture of the team and probably puts the Nats in the playoff hunt this year.For me, that culture change makes every dime spent on him by the Nats a bargain.

kgwcoach – where have you been? I have talked about what Werth does in the dugout and clubhouse for a year but it won't shut the anons up. He is the reason they let Nyjer go for a bag of balls but that in itself turned the attitudes around.FS – the knuckleballer on the Mets is Dickey and he has a new book out with a sad story but it looks to be a happy ending. I believe Dickey is the only knuckler left in the majors.

(updated the way I meant to write it:)While we're at it — how about a shout-out to Burnett? He came in with one out and two on, faced two batters, threw five pitches, all of them strikes, and got a strike out. Earned his first "hold".

So — my power went out at 9:15 – just came back on and I am trying to catch up. So mad I missed some good stuff. And after I predicted the Detweiler/Stammen partnership and all! So glad the guys won and had some offense – especially Jayson! I could get used to Desi with the lead-off fireworks, too. Our fifth starter with a curly W, finally. Catching up on all of your in-game comments is helping to ease my pain. Now I get to go re-set all the digital clocks…..

NatsNut said…I would give a kajillion dollars for a moratorium on the way-overused and tired pun on Werth's name.I'll add a 5-spot to that. Here here! Of course, if he keeps gettings 4 hits a game, or even 2, there will be little reason for it to be used.

Ugh, I can't believe I missed this game.I did DVR it though, so I'll watch it this morning.Sounds like a great win. Glad Werth, Detwiler and Desmond (his throw was play of the day on MLB network, and what a play it was!) all had a great game.Go Nats!

Section 3…. no… I always go back and check. The "forkball" you speak off is the "split fingered" pitch of today. Dempster used it to great advantage against Laroche opening day and Gee as well yesterday. It comes out like a fastball and dies the last 15 – 20 feet to the plate and is generally 8 – 10 mph slower than a normal fastball. Hence most baseball people enliken it to a change up with downward movement as opposed to the side movement of a "circle change".It's definitely nothing like a knuckle ball.